LAS VEGAS -
UNLV, which won its last three games to become eligible for postseason play, will head to its third bowl game in school history as the school accepted a bid to Las Vegas Bowl IX on Monday.

Rebel head coach John Robinson and Director of Athletics Charles Cavagnaro officially accepted an invitation offered by Las Vegas Bowl Selection Committee Director Roy Woofter at ceremonies on UNLV's football practice field. The team had just returned from its trip to Hawaii where it won 34-32 in a must-win situation at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu Saturday night.

The Rebels will face the University of Arkansas in a game slated for December 21 at 5 p.m. PST. Las Vegas Bowl IX will take place at Sam Boyd Stadium where UNLV finished the regular season undefeated and untied at 5-0 for the first time since 1977.

This will mark the first-ever meeting of the two schools in what is UNLV's first postseason appearance since winning the 1994 Las Vegas Bowl 52-24 over Central Michigan. ESPN2's game broadcast will be blacked out if the game is not sold out.

"Congratulations to UNLV," Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Vice President of Marketing and Las Vegas Bowl Executive Director Rossi Ralenkotter said. "The LVCVA is thrilled to have the Rebels in the game on December 21. We expect an outstanding game between UNLV and the University of Arkansas, one that will attract a sellout crowd at Sam Boyd Stadium."

John Robinson, who initially accepted the bid in the locker room following his team's thrilling finish over Hawaii, will take a 7-1 career postseason record into his first bowl game leading any school other than USC.

"Bowl games are fun for the student-athletes first and foremost and we're here to have fun in the Las Vegas Bowl," Robinson said. "This team seems to make every game go down to the end and we are very proud of them. "I think it is important to reflect on all the hard work that has been done around here by so many people in the last two years. The community has certainly stepped up for us and all of this would not be possible without all the help we have received. Now, let's get out there and energize the community about going to watch UNLV take on Arkansas."